Program Overview

The Backflow Prevention Program [PDF] involves identifying cross connections (deemed at risk) and removing or isolating them (called backflow prevention) at the building or facilities of water customers.

The By-law applies to the following categories of Markham’s water customers:

All industrial, commercial and institutional properties.

All residential buildings and structures with 2” (50mm) water connections or larger.

Installation, replacement, relocation or repair of Backflow Preventers [PDF]: all backflow prevention deficiencies identified through the Survey or Testing should be rectified. Such rectification may include: installation of new backflow preventers, replacement or relocation of existing backflow preventers, or repaor of malfunctioned backflow preventers.

The property owner is advised to check the registered Qualified Person's insurance coverage and working references, and discuss costs before proceeding with any work.

The property owner is also advised to log into their backflow prevention account at the "Backflow Prevention Program Online Services" website (link) regularly to ensure no incomplete backflow prevention items required for their facility exist.

Qualified Person's Responsibilities

Qualified Persons must first register with the City before doing any backflow prevention work in Markham. Qualified Persons Responsibilities include:

Provide Markham with all qualifications as set out in the by-law upon registration;

Keep all qualifications up to date and submit their renewals to Markham;

Carry backflow prevention work by following Markham's requirements;

Be responsible for accuracy and any liability arising as a result of an incomplete Survey or incorrect Testing;

Submit all reports under the Program to the City upon the completion of their backflow prevention work.

The Qualified Person is also advised that all paper format submissions will be subject to a fee for manual processing by City staff.

Qualified Person Registration Program

City of Markham does not charge any fees on any Qualified Person's registration for doing backflow prevention work in Markham; whether it is their initial registration or annual update of their registration.

Building Permit for Backflow Preventers:

Installation of a new testable backflow preventer requires a building permit.

Replacement of an existing testable backflow preventer would require a building permit.

Relocation of an existing testable backflow preventer requires a building permit.

Removal of an existing testable backflow preventer does not require a building permit. However, you should submit a "Backflow Preventer Removal Form" [PDF] and get the City's approval prior to the removal.

Please visit our Building Permits website or contact our Building Department at 905-475-4870 for details of your building permit application.

Fees Imposed to the non-compliant Property Owners by the City:

2018 Rate

Backflow Prevention Compliance Processing Fee – $242

(Note: This Fee only applies to those property owners who have received Markham's Order to Comply notice, but failed to comply with the Backflow Prevention By-law within a compliance timeframe indicated on the notice.)

Fees Imposed to the Registered Qualified Persons by the City:

2018 Rate

Manually Processing Fee for a Test Report– $29

Manually Processing Fee for a Survey Report– $58

Manually Processing Fee for a Device Upgrade Report – $43.50

(Note: Invoice will be sent to the registered Qualified Person who submitted the Report in paper format and requires manually processing from the City).

“Backflow Prevention Program Online Services” Website

This website is designed to make all backflow prevention report submissions (i.e. Survey, Test and Device Upgrade Reports) easier for registered Qualified Persons. The website is also intended to allow property owners in the Program access to the City’s records related to their facilities. The website is a secure, cost-effective and environmental friendly solution for administering our Backflow Prevention Program.